NEWS

Waziristan fighting ends

April 22, 2004 17:05 IST

The Pakistani army has reached an agreement with villagers accused of sheltering al-Qaeda suspects in the South Waziristan region, reports the BBC.

Following the mediation of two Pakistani parliamentarians, both sides have pledged to bring an end to fighting in the tribal region, which killed more than 100 militants and troops last month, the BBC said.

Earlier this month, Islamabad had deployed hundreds of troops in the region and set an April 20  for the tribal elders to hand over foreign fighters, thought to be Chechens, Arabs and Uzbeks, as well as the tribesmen sheltering them.

Peshawar Corps Commander Safdar Hussain and parliamentarian Maulana Merajuddin both confirmed that a "broad understanding" had been reached to end the standoff in South Waziristan. The agreement will be formally announced at a tribal gathering in the Shakai area in South Waziristan on Friday, the BBC said. 

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